A grade is shorthand for how much of a coin’s original detail and surface quality remains. It helps distinguish heavily circulated examples from coins with light wear or no circulation wear.
Grade is not the same as value
A higher grade often increases desirability, but rarity, demand, metal content and authenticity also affect value. A common high-grade coin may be worth less than a scarce lower-grade example.
What the description covers
- Wear: loss of detail caused by circulation.
- Strike: how clearly the design was impressed when made.
- Surface: marks, scratches, corrosion, cleaning and other changes.
- Lustre: the original reflective quality created during striking.
- Eye appeal: the coin’s overall visual balance and appearance.
Grades should always be read alongside a full description and clear images. When buying an important coin, ask which grading standard has been used.